As a practicing Beauty Therapist Practitioner with over 25 years’ experience, I have seen beauty trends come and go and often come back again. Effective treatments will always stand the test of time. On that note let’s talk microneedling.
This popular treatment has seen a significant reemergence over recent years. This treatment is not new, in fact it’s history goes back over a 100 years, however during the early 2000’s it gained popularity once more using roller stamps, which are limited and not hygienic.
Luckily, things have moved on significantly with professional practitioners like myself undertaking extensive training and investing in top of the range medical grade microneedling devices that use ultra fine, disposable needle cartridges for comfort and hygiene. These highly technical devices enable the practitioner to work at different depths and speeds when treating different skin indications, body area, and desired outcomes.
What does microneedling do?
We all want healthy, glowing skin, but sustaining a skincare regime that does more than simply mask the signs of aging and damage can feel like an uphill and often expensive battle, with traditional treatments alone not addressing deeper skin concerns.
I have personally found Microneedling to be a hugely effective treatment and my clients agree. This minimally invasive treatment can be useful for treating many skin concerns, including prevention of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing existing ones, minimising the appearance of open pores, acne scaring and uneven skin texture, fading pigmentation, stretch marks, and scars.
How does it work?
Our skin is an amazing and beautiful organ, in fact the largest of the body. It does so much to protect us and keep us healthy. However, it does age and can be easily damaged.
The skin relies on the vital proteins of Collagen and Elastin to support its structure and elasticity, sadly this protein production declines with age, starting as early as the mid 20’s, with the first sign of aging starting to show in our 30’s.
Fortunately there are steps we can take to help prevent the breakdown of these vital proteins, one of them is Microneedling, supported by the use of appropriate skin care and protection in the form of a broad spectrum sun block used on a daily basis.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment where ultra fine medical grade needles glide over the skin, creating tiny micro channels. This controlled trauma creates a healing response, leading to production of collagen and elastin.
Immediately after the treatment skin looks plumper, due in part to the introduction of Hyaluronic acid during the treatment, however the real benefits will be seen over the next few weeks and months as our amazing skin continues with its healing response, which leads to the production of new collagen and elastin, resulting in smoother, plumper, healthy looking skin.
What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?
HA is naturally produced molecule found in the body. It acts as a moisture magnet, holding up to a thousand times its weight in water, helping hydrate and lubricate tissue, it helps with wound healing and lubrication of joints and connective tissue. It is essential for keeping skin plump and hydrated, making it a perfect addition to the microneedling treatment as the micro channels produced by the micro fine needles allow deep, targeted absorption.
Will it hurt?
Most people report mild vibrations as the pen moves over the skin, with slight discomfort in some areas. Modern equipment allows control of needle depth during the treatment.
In fact, overly deep use of needles can lead to negative results and is not necessary to get the desired end results. Down time is minimal, with clients reporting any redness and slight swelling has disappeared within a few hours, almost certainly by the next day with correct aftercare.
How many treatments will I need?
This will depend on personal skin concerns, however it is recommended to have between 3 to 6 treatments initially with a 4-6 week gap between. The process relies on the cumulative healing response to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
So, although a one-off treatment can be helpful to improve tone and plumpness, which can be perfect for special occasions – significant, long lasting improvement will require a course of treatments, with future maintenance as recommended.
Wrapping up
It is essential to undertake Microneedling in a safe, professional environment with a trained qualified practitioner, who follows best practice, including strict hygiene control, offers a thorough consultation and aftercare advice.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, or to arrange a consultation.
Love,
Candella x